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All USA Tours from Collette

Filters applied, 40 collette trips through usa.

Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2024)

The Tour Director, Program content, Bus Driver, Timing and Hotel were excellent The food was very good and the connecting tour contractors. There seem to be a disconnect on sending some kind of black valise and name cards as I didn't and others didn't receive them. As you know the plastic laminated name cards are very helpful in 6 days of remembering the people's name on the bus

Alaska: America's Last Frontier (Fairbanks, AK to Anchorage, AK)

Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks (Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV) (2024)

• In-depth Cultural

Roaming Coastal Maine featuring Portland, Acadia & Penobscot Bay (Portland, ME to Freeport, ME) (2024)

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise featuring a 7-night Holland America Cruise (Fairbanks, AK to Vancouver, BC) (2024)

Canyon Country featuring Arizona & Utah (Scottsdale, AZ to Las Vegas, NV) (2024)

We started the trip in Phoenix, just as the US was beginning to adjust to the effects of the Corona Virus. For the first few days, the main indication of the problem was decreased attendance at the national parks we visited. But by the next to last day of the tour, we had to cut the trip short because Las Vegas was effectively closed. The bus driver and the tour director were excellent, making sure that we stayed safe as the outside world started to collapse. A special thank you to the last hotel we stayed in (the Majestic View Lodge in Springdale Utah). The manager, head chef, and staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome and to feed us even though just about everything around was closing.

• Coach / Bus

National Parks of America (Scottsdale, AZ to Rapid City, SD)

America's Cowboy Country (Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY) (2024)

Spotlight on Boston

I was a little nervous before the start of the trip because there were some complications trying to confirm the trip. It was partially my fault because I did book the trip relatively last minute, but I do believe there was some miscommunication on both ends that could have been avoided from the very beginning. The biggest problem was the method of communication. I did not understand that in order for the information to be relayed correctly, you had to message through the communication portal on touradar's website. That was not explicitly made clear, and it took several days and conversations with multiple people to finally realize that. Once that was made clear, everything ran much more smoothly, but I definitely think for the customer's sake especially new customer, someone needs to be very clear in explaining that and confirm with the customer by having them relay it back to them. Thankfully, once everything was booked and confirmed, the trip ran wonderfully! I had such a blast. My tour guide was amazing and the group I was with were incredible. I am definitely looking forward to booking another trip in the future.

• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Hiking & Trekking

Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country featuring Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks (Bozeman, MT to Missoula, MT)

Spotlight on New Orleans

There were a couple glitches along the way that were beyond your control. I was very disappointed that the Mississippi River cruse had to be cancelled Your Tour Manager (Jen) Out standing job.

Mackinac Island (Chicago, IL to Southfield, MI) (2024)

Canyon Country featuring Arizona & Utah (Scottsdale, AZ to Las Vegas, NV) (2023)

Couldn't have asked for a better Tour Guide, Ann was very knowledgeable of every place we saw. She was very helpful, entertaining, and just a joy to be around. Our driver Ray was the best driver, We couldn't have been in better hands He went far and beyond his job title. I will not hesitate to recommend Collette to my friends and family.

Spotlight on Washington, D.C. Exploring America's Capital (2024)

Alaska's Northern Lights (Anchorage, AK to Fairbanks, AK)

All usa collette tour reviews.

Could not have asked for a better time. Our Tour Guide Katie and Driver Joe were phenomenal . All aspects of our comfort were taken into account. The attention to detail is evident and appreciated

I was a little nervous before the start of the trip because there were some complications trying to confirm the trip. It was partially my fault because I did book the trip relatively last minute, but I do believe there was some miscommunication on both ends that could have been avoided from the very beginning. The biggest problem was the method of communication. I did not understand that in order for the information to be relayed correctly, you had to message through the communication portal on touradar's website. That was not explicitly made clear, and it took several days and conversations with multiple people to finally realize that. Once that was made clear, everything ran much more smoothly, but I definitely think for the customer's sake especially new customer, someone needs to be very clear in explaining that and confirm with the customer by having them relay it back to them. Thankfully, once everything was booked and confirmed, the trip ran wonderfully! I had such a blast. My tour guide was amazing and the group I was with were incredible. I am definitely looking forward to booking another trip in the future.

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The Scoop: What to Know About Collette

This award-winning tour company has been leading trips for more than a century..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Collette offered its first guided travel tour in 1918, a three-week trip aboard a jitney bus from Boston to Florida that cost just $68.50. Today the third-generation family-owned business leads more than 170 tours in a variety of styles to all seven continents.

The longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is known for its comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships in the travel space.

BEST OF THE BEST: Best Guided Tour Companies

A sense of social responsibility guides the company’s actions in everything from tour planning to operations on the ground. Through the nonprofit Collette Foundation, it supports hunger and education initiatives around the world, and employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time each year.

TourScoop Takeaways 

• Destinations: More than 170 tours on all seven continents
• Tour Size Average: The average group size for a Classic tour is 32 travelers; for Small Group Explorations, the group size averages 16.
• Tour Type: Small-group tours and cruises

How to Book

Travelers can book through Collette’s website , by calling 800-340-5158, or through a travel agent.

Credibility Check

Collette received golds in two categories (Best Escorted Tour Operator, US; and Best Escorted Tour Operator, Canada) at the 2023 Travvy Awards and won the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award in 2023. It was also named Best Tour Operator for Domestic Escorted Tours and Best Tour Operator for Canadian Tours by Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards in 2022. Collette has a 4.7/5 rating on TravelStride based on more than 4,100 reviews.

Tour Destinations

Collette tours travel to all seven continents. The company has itineraries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia. Africa, and Antarctica.

DOING IT RIGHT: This Year’s Best Japan Tours

Collette offers tours in five different travel styles. Classic tours, the company’s original group-tour style, take in the sights and explore the cultures of destinations around the world, with an average of 32 people and maximum of 44 travelers. Small Group Explorations immerse travelers even further into a destination and travel with an average of 16 guests.

Spotlights tours feature a single hotel stay and itineraries that help travelers explore a city like a local. Faith tours travel to some of the world’s most historic religious sites and regions, and Cruising tours travel waterways like the Danube, Yangtze, and Nile Rivers. Private tours are also available for groups of 10 or more.

Tour descriptions include activity level rankings, ranging from 1 for leisurely paced experiences to 4 for highly active trips.

Tour Guides

Collette’s Tour Managers tend to make an impression on travelers. The highly trained local experts, some of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years, bring a destination’s history and culture to life and add their own insights and favorite spots to the experience for a more personal touch. 

What’s Included

Collette’s tour pricing includes accommodations, itinerary activities, and the majority of meals during a tour. 

What’s Not Included

Optional excursions, pre- or post-tour extensions, and airfare are not included in the tour price. However, travelers have the option to add those extras when booking a tour. Land prices also do not include transfers, visas, and gratuities.

EXPLAINER: How Much Should You Tip on a Guided Tour

Typical Travelers

Collette says its travelers are “typically experienced, yet curious travelers. They’re interested in getting beneath the surface and digging deeper into what a destination has to offer.” Children over the age of five may travel on Collette tours as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Communication

Collette Tour Managers reach out and introduce themselves to travelers prior to each departure and also provide a means of contact for travelers while they are on tour. A representative from Collette contacts travelers if there are any issues or changes with the departure. Guests can also log in to the Collette mobile app up to 45 days before departure.

Loyalty Program

The Collette Passport Club rewards travelers for every trip they take. After completing one or two tours with the company, travelers receive a 5% Loyalty Credit on their next Collette tour when completed within 12 months of their most recent tour departure date. After three or more completed tours, travelers also get a $100 credit toward the purchase of optional tour components on their next trip.

Sustainability Efforts

All of Collette’s Small Group Explorations tours are carbon neutral and include an “Impact Moment” where travelers might visit a local social enterprise, nonprofit, or cultural or environmental conservation group. Responsible travel is a priority, and Collette ensures its tours take things like animal welfare and the preservation of local communities into consideration.

Health and Safety Practices

Collette’s website provides travelers with information on travel alerts and travel requirements, and has a travel protection plan available for purchase.

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• 143 View All Tours
• 8 Africa Tours
• 8 Asia Tours
• 6 Australia Tours
• 85 Europe Tours
• 39 North America Tours
• 3 South America Tours

Our Destinations

• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Tour Styles

Enjoy a refined take on the art of group travel.

Experience true adventures on these Collette small group tours.

Set out on inspiring journey on these faith-based travel experiences.

Explore the world's most beautiful waterways.

Come to know your destination during a single-hotel stay.

Why Guided Travel

Sit back, relax, and let us handle all the details. You won't miss a thing.

Enhance your tour with this easy to use mobile companion.

Combine two tours into one grand adventure.

Making the travel experience a force for good.

No worries, we're with you every step of the way.

Going guided gets you more for your money.

Find travel tips, travel advice, and answers to some of the most commonly asked travel questions here.

Meet the Tour Managers that enhance your travel experience at every turn.

Travel Planning

Current tour and destination information based on world events.

Current travel requirements by country including entry and exit information.

Your questions regarding travel requirements, trip interruptions, payments and refunds.

Get Your Money Back. Any Reason, Every Tour. No Blackout Dates or Restrictions.

• To book, call Interval Travel at 877.273.7737

Canyon Country From $2,999 $2,699 pp* Featuring Arizona & Utah

*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date. Please select a date below for more details.

• Exploration

Set out on an inspiring journey on these faith-based travel experiences.

Your Tour at a Glance

Tour Activity Level

The activity level for this tour:

You’re a leisurely traveler. You typically take it easy and discover the energy of a new place by people-watching or soaking in the atmosphere at a local café. You can climb at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.

You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet.

You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.

Canyon Country featuring Arizona & Utah

Use the selector below to choose a date that works best for you

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Your Day by Day Itinerary

Travel tips, full itinerary.

We are currently building the itinerary for the tour date you have selected.

Available Offers

These sales don’t come around very often. Enjoy great savings for a limited time only.

When you book by 04/15/2024

use code HELLOSPRING24 Offer Details

Make your move! These hot deals sell out quickly since they’re all close to departure. No offer code needed, just book your tour and start packing.

Special Offers Disclaimer

Enhance your trip, optional excursions.

Add some more spice to your tour with this optional excursions.

Pre and Post Night Stays

Enjoy arriving early or checking out late with our Pre and Post night stays.

Tour Extensions

Extension style.

The extension style for this tour:

Independent

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager part of the time, for some guided excursions. The rest of the time, you’re at leisure to explore the destination your own way.

You’re not accompanied by a Tour Manager during your extension stay. You’ll access locales you wish to visit on your own, and are free to create your own adventure.

Traveler Reviews

From $2,699 pp *

8 Days • 10 Meals

Thank you for your review! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

Thank you for sharing your review, we have passed along your feedback to our team.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team.

Thank you for joining us and for sharing your feedback! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

Review on 11/03/2022

Review on 10/31/2022.

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and a member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Thank you for joining us on our Canyon Country tour and for sharing your feedback. We hope to see you again soon!

Hello, thank you for joining us on our Canyon Country tour and for sharing your feedback. We will pass is along to our team. We hope to see you again soon!

Review on 10/09/2022

It was a great trip, pleasurable trip.

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our product and tour manager teams. We look forward to traveling with you again soon!

Great trip to Canyon Country

Review on 05/23/2022, review on 05/22/2022, review on 05/20/2022, review on 05/16/2022, review on 05/15/2022, review on 05/13/2022, a nice trip - but, magnificent canyon country, well-conci ever tour and itinerary, we had a great time our trip. trip well-conceived and managed., collette tours rock.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Canyon Country tour. We're sorry to hear you felt the tour was restrictive. Your comments will be reviewed by our internal department managers so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

Discover Canyon Country: 8 days, 7 nights

Exceeded my expectations., trip of a lifetime in the grandeur of canyon country, i can find nothing to complain about. consideration was given in every asp, the tour guide and the driver were both excellent., i would do this tour with this guide again, great trip.national parks were amazing., fabulous western national parks, amazing, well-planned trip through the southwest part of the u.s., we could have done with a few less touristy souvenir shops but great group, great experience, amazing scenery..

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Canyon Country tour. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to discuss your feedback.

Wonderful trip

Enjoyed the trips i have been on so far. like traveling with collette, first time with any tour group. great experience, loved the canyon country tour, canyon country trip ... total delight., barry and mark.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip with awesome scenery and nice

Canyon country was amazing. our tour guide barrie was great, a wonderful group tour, trip plan needs improvement.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Canyon Country tour. A member of the Guest Relations team will be reaching out to discuss your feedback.

Not up to the standards from our last Collette trip.

Would recommend to anyone.

Thank you for contacting us again in regards to your luggage fees. Your feedback has been passed along to our Client Care Center.

Great time in the Canyons!

Outstanding glimpse of america, wonderful trip, relaxing and educational.

Thank you again for reaching out to us regarding your Canyon Country tour. Your comments have been passed along to Collette's Air department. We are grateful for your business and hope to see you again on another Collette tour. 

An outstanding "Canyon Country" experience!

Galperiin me.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to canyon country. A member of the Guest Relations Team will follow up with you.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Canyon Country tour. Your comments have been forwarded to the Product Manager for this tour. She will use your feedback to enhance this tour for our future guests. 

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Canyon Country. We will share your concerns with the hotel to prevent future problems of this nature. We thank you for your feedback as it allows us to take action and alleviate the problem for future tours.

Amazing Canyon Country Tour!!!!

What a beautiful trip., good choice of places to visit., enjoyed our vacation and got to see some great national parks, had a wonderful lifelong dream trip., go collette and you will not be disappointed. what an amazing trip, excellent tour, i had an awesome time., well organized and professional., fabulous time, will book another tour with collette, great vacation, we will continue to use collette travel., our best vacation, canyon country tour rocks.

It's all about your tour guide

Awesome scenery someplace for everyone's bucket list., i hope this is settled so we will not be afraid to travel with collett agai.

We're sorry to hear that your partner came down with E. Coli. We have passed your feedback along to our customer care team so that they can help you further. If you have any questions feel free to reach out.

Excellent service by Collette CA

Great scenic parks tour.

Canyon Country was all I had hoped for and more. The views were magnificent...

It was a great experiance

Good service by collette, excellent service by collette us, wonderful experience to canyonlands usa, enjoyed all the travel and sites--also the people and tour director., good service by collette us, wonderful experience, smaller sized group would be better for older adults., this was a wonderful trip, it covered some of the most beautiful places in the us ., great tour guide, hotels, excursions., great looking forward to our next collette tour., great trip. personally 2nights in lasvegas could have been shorter., overall good, i am giving positive feedback to my travel agent and hopefully they will get more bookings for you from australia., can't wait until our next collette tour .

Thanks, Lisa! We loved having you on tour with us and are so thankful that you chose Collette. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you in the future!

Awesome Trip !!!!!

Canyon vacation was superb.

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Maritimes Coastal Wonders featuring the Cabot Trail - 2024

• Savor a traditional Maritimes lobster feast at the Fundy Trail.
• Attend culinary “boot camp” for bragging rights on who cooks the best PEI mussels.
• Explore interesting inventions at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
• Learn a few handy Gaelic phrases and join in the fun of a "milling frolic."
• Take a ferry ride to Prince Edward Island, the "Land Cradled on the Waves."

The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal - 2024

Ottawa, Toronto

• Savor breakfast at a local sugar shack nestled in the Quebec countryside.
• Enjoy an evening out and sample the local cuisine at a lovely restaurant on Ile d’Orleans.
• Discover Niagara-on-the-Lake with quaint local shops and a charming atmosphere.
• Admire some of the 1864 islands of the Thousand Islands National Park with a boat tour along St. Lawrence River.
• Witness the incredible power of Mother Nature at breathtaking Niagara Falls.

Canadian Rockies featuring Rocky Mountaineer - 2024

Banff, Calgary, Lake Louise, Vancouver

• Spend two days onboard Rocky Mountaineer viewing coastal forests, roaring river canyons and lofty mountain peaks.
• Enjoy an overnight in Lake Louise.
• Travel by train and journey alongside Kicking Horse River while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
• Take a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls.

Why we love Collette

With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.

Canadian Rockies by Train - 2024

Banff, Calgary, Jasper, Lake Louise, Vancouver

• Enjoy breakfast at picture-perfect Maligne Lake.
• Delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue.
• See the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks.
• Behold spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
• Experience the beautiful city of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour.

Western Canada’s Rockies, Lakes & Wine Country - 2024

• Taste the wines of the Okanagan Valley during dinner at a local vineyard.
• Stay 2 nights in the heart of the Okanagan – British Columbia’s wine country.
• Taste some local treats on an agricultural visit in the Okanagan.
• Delve into the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway at the Revelstoke Railway Museum.

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy - 2024

Aix En Provence, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Costa Brava, Florence, Marseille, Nice, San Gimignano, Tuscany

• Dine on traditional Catalan specialties in a 17th-century farmhouse transformed into a local restaurant.
• Visit an ancient abbey turned winery for a tour of the cellars and a taste of their wine.
• Discover the flavors of the Italian at a local restaurant renowned for its cheese-filled focaccia and home-made pesto sauce.
• Take in the Spanish coastline during a walk between the villages of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc.
• Impact Moment: dine at a restaurant solidale (solidarity restaurant) in Marseille that uses its profits to give meals to the poor.

Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast - 2024

Dubrovnik, Sibenik, Split, Zagreb

• Dine on continental cuisine at a favorite local restaurant in Zagreb.
• Enjoy Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to traditional recipes.
• Experience a captain’s welcome dinner upon arrival in Dubrovnik.
• Stand before the breathtaking waterfalls in Krka National Park.
• Explore the Old City of Dubrovnik with a local expert.

Historical Greenbrier featuring Washington D.C. & Williamsburg - 2024

• Enjoy lunch at a colonial tavern.
• Spend two evenings dining amid The Greenbrier’s grandeur.
• Explore the formerly-secret bunker hidden under The Greenbrier.
• Enjoy day and twilight tours of DC’s iconic monuments and memorials.
• Stroll the grounds of historic Colonial Williamsburg.

National Parks of America - 2024

Yellowstone National Park

• Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a tribute to Buffalo Bill Cody.
• Meet Native Americans and discuss their unique and colorful culture.
• Spend a night at the spectacular Grand Canyon.
• Visit Yellowstone National Park, home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser.

Spotlight on San Antonio Holiday - 2024

• Cruise the Paseo del Rio and admire festive holiday decorations along the River Walk.
• Discover the German settlement of Fredericksburg set in the Hill Country.
• Experience El Mercado, the Mexican Marketplace.
• Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park - 2024

Banff, Calgary, Lake Louise

• Ride aboard a historic Jammer, an open-air touring car, during your visit to Glacier National Park.
• Visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, one of the world’s oldest buffalo jumps.
• Bear witness to the incredible views of Glacier National Park as you drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.*
• Drive the unforgettable Icefields Parkway.

Alaska: America's Last Frontier - 2024

Anchorage, Fairbanks

• Visit a Musk Ox Farm and learn about the sustainable domestication project.
• Get a local’s perspective on the Alaskan way of life during an interactive discussion.
• Learn about Alaska’s gold mining past through the voices of two local sisters and try your hand at panning for pay dirt.
• Enjoy a scenic glacier cruise of Prince William Sound.

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Save up to 15% with Collette

Collette has been creating exceptional travel experiences since 1918 and now operates in more than 50 countries. The company’s upscale tours include stays at centrally located hotels that mirror the style and ambience of each city. Delicious cuisine and cultural entertainment that's fun and educational are also part of the experience.

Collette tour directors play an essential role in creating incredible vacations. Rather than using seasonal or freelance guides, Collette employs tour directors who share a vested interest in sustaining the company's superb reputation. A rigorous screening and training process ensures that only the best applicants become tour directors.

Trip ratings on this site are based on the quality of accommodations, the number of included meals and activities and the level of service delivered. Collette's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe).

• Spring Sale! Save up to 10% off tours. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires April 15. Click here .

• Tour Account ›
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• Travel Forum
• Beyond Europe
• Anyone heard of C...

Anyone heard of Collette for tours.

We received a brochure from a company named Collette. They have a tour/cruise of Egypt that has great prices. Anyone know of this firm?

Yes, I have had brochures from them in the past, though have never travelled with them. An acquaintance regularly travels with them, and only has good things to say about them, most recently about a tour in the US. Katy

Collette is a family owned tour company based in the USA (with offices in other countries) that has been operating for many decades. Reputation is positive. Accommodation and meals are likely more moderate than the higher end Tauck tours company, for example (hence the prices you referenced).

Collette Tours is based in Rhode Island, USA. They have offices in other parts of the World too.

Collette is a third generation, family-owned company with offices in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

They have been around for eons. At times, they do mailers to certain demographic areas to amp up interest or business.

Here is a sample of their tours -

https://www.gocollette.com/en/find-your-tour#q/continentnames=Europe&currentPage=1&sortDirection=desc&sortBy=

History - https://www.gocollette.com/en/about-collette/collette-history

I've not done a Collette tour. I have done 11 Rick Steves tours and 10 Road Scholar tours with #11 coming up in October.

I looked at the Collette website and looked at the Italy tour just because that is what came up and because I'm not familiar with Egypt. What I see right away is that they have a number of "optional" tours which includes some of the good stuff you'd hope would be included on any tour. Price these out along with the base tour price to see what you will really be paying. Tour companies like Rick's and Road Scholar are very upfront with what they include on tours and don't have optional charges. We did have an option of a gondola ride in Venice when I took the 21 Best of Europe. The guide hired the number of gondolas needed plus musicians and we divided the cost and paid him back. I think it was 25 or 26E per person.

I did find an FAQ section as I was searching to see if tips for the guide are included. They are not. Here's what their verbiage says:

"The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges."

I think the going rate for tips for a guide is $5-7/day per person and $3-5/day per person for the bus driver. You'll also be responsible for tipping local guides (not sure, maybe a couple of Euro since you're in a big group?), housekeeping maybe a Euro a day. This will figure into your bottom line budget.

https://www.gocollette.com/en/collette-gives-you-more/faq#extras

I didn't explore the website enough to see what the normal group size is but take that into consideration.

Good luck with your search! I am not an expert on Egypt but this is not a country I'd go for the least expensive tour. I'd probably go as high end as you can manage just assuming they would have the best security in place.

I used to work in the travel industry. They have been around forever. My mom took one of their tours and enjoyed it.

As the others have mentioned, Collette has been around since 1918, so they've been offering tours for awhile. The reviews on this site seem generally good - https://www.tourradar.com/collette-vacations .

I've researched Collette in the past, but my impression is that their tours are structured somewhat like Trafalgar , with 50+ tour members in each group. I much prefer the "Rick Steves model" with smaller groups of about 30, but of course those tend to be a bit more expensive since there's fewer tour members to split the cost of a full size coach, tour guide, driver, etc.

I would recommend taking a look at Scenic USA for the Egypt tour. They are an Australian company with branches in the US. The Egypt tour is a small group tour (24 or 26 people). We have travelled with them twice (Cambodia/Vietnam and Egypt/Jordan) and have been very pleased. There are no hidden costs. Our tours included airfare, transfers, tips and the visa in Jordan. The group will mainly be Australian with some Americans. I wouldn’t go cheap on a tour to Egypt.

I have looked at Viking as well as Vantage World Travel (we have done 3 great cruises/tours with them). Also, some of the other big name river cruise lines. Going rate for a 10-11 day tour is a little less than $6000 pp. Scenic seems to be even more at $6,395. All seems to include five star hotels and I am sure quality tours. Some include airfare from NYC to Cairo.

I took a closer look at Collette's tours and the hotels that are included are what I would call 4.5 star. Not Hilton, but not far below. Perhaps their tours include a full tour bus instead of half a tour bus, but other than that, the differences are minor.

When Collette gets it done for about $2500, it is appealing.

I have already done Egypt (been there twice) and the second time did Cairo and that area again, then did the Nile river cruise. At the time (1985), most of the cruise ships were owned by hotels. The one that I did cost about $300 pp in a triple room. It was with the Marriott Hotel chain and we stayed in the Marriott in Cairo as well. The Hilton cruse was about 50 % more, but went to the same places. I agree that one doesn't want to do Egypt on the cheap. However, it appears that Collette is not cheap, just more moderately priced for a few reasons that don't seem problematic. My wife has never been to Egypt and I want her to enjoy the trip. It appears that Collette would fit our expectations.

You might also have a look at Insight Vacations as their tours feature smaller "Rick Steves" type groups (they actually remove some of the seats from the coach to make sure the group stays small).

Let me chime in since I used to work as a tour director and I'm familiar with Colette. (And I can counter some of the things the Rickniks have said.)

Collette is an excellent company with a very good reputation. Yes, they do try to fill a coach but that may not happen. Some sightseeing is included and some is optional which means you have the choice of doing that--for an extra fee--or doing something else on your own. You can get a list of these before you book to see what they cost or they may already be listed in your tour brochure. Tipping is not included but seriously, is it that earthshattering? The tour documents you get will suggest tipping amounts for your tour director and bus driver. The tour director will tell you the suggested tip amount for everything else. And remember, tipping is always optional. (On Rick Steves tours, all of this is included whether you like it or not.)

But since RS doesn't go to Egypt, I don't understand why it was even brought up. It's like someone asking for a recommendation of a Chinese restaurant and someone else responding saying they like Indian food. How does that help the person asking the question?

" But since RS doesn't go to Egypt, I don't understand why it was even brought up. It's like someone asking for a recommendation of a Chinese restaurant and someone else responding saying they like Indian food. How does that help the person asking the question? "

My word, Frank. I brought it up because if someone has never been on a tour then it is helpful if they understand "tour brochure language". By reading what is included on RS tours one can compare to other companies to see what they do and do not list. It doesn't matter if it's the same place but it's easy to pick out the differences comparing the brochure language in an Italy vs Italy tour.

If cost is a concern, then yes on a 13 day tour where you are with the guide and driver for maybe 12 of those days then $70 for the guide ($140 per couple) + $48 for the driver ($96 per couple) plus misc. tips can make a difference if a traveler is not expecting it.

From the extra info the OP added after I posted, it's clear they've done tours before and are experienced in the ways of tour brochure language so they'll know to have cash on hand.

I have only heard good things about Collette tours. As for Egypt, we went in February with Trafalgar Tours "Wonders of Ancient Egypt." The tour and guide were excellent. Yes, there were 39 people in our group, but we never felt like we were a "herd." Tips were not included in the VERY reasonable price, but we expected that, as tips usually aren't. I would recommend the tour we did of Egypt (2 nights Cairo, 7 nights on a cruise ship on the Nile, and 2 more nights in Cairo). All our accomodations were excellent, meals were superb (especially on our ship), and our guide not only discussed the history of Egypt, but gave us insights into the culture, the religions and the more recent history of Egypt. We all felt safe and I have to say the whole group was congenial and delightful to sightsee with. Some of us took the one optional tour to Abu Simbel (well worth it!) which entailed a round trip flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel. That was about $300.00 pp extra, but our tour cost was in the very reasonable range, but not cut-rate. We checked out Insight, as we had toured Turkey with that company and liked it very much, but they only had pricier tours for Egypt (10-12 people). That group shared our boat for the cruise portion, and they all looked gloomy all the time. I do believe we had more fun, saw more, and liked each other better! We went at a good time of the year for the weather. Summer prices were less, but the weather is much hotter then. If you go to Egypt, have a great time. (And do some research before you go. You get more out of the trip.)

For an Egypt tour, look at Odysseys Unlimited. They offer two different tours there.

I often hear offers from Collette tours, in our area they work with groups to run essentially charter tours, likely their standard tour, but maybe the local TV Anchorman, Weather guy or Football Coach goes along and does the advertising to fill the tour. I may be wrong, but I got the impression that they probably have larger groups, try to hit the highlights in lots of places, and maybe more of a commodity experience (moderate hotels, moderate meals (if included))

I have not been on an organized tour, but I would make sure it fits your travel style. Though for Egypt, I would resort to a tour for safety reasons, and probably tolerate more imposition to my travel style than for a Europe trip.

Hi geo, I took a tour (solo) with Collette a few years ago, the Pacific Northwest and California. It really wasn’t a good fit for me. There were 2 large busses traveling together. Both busses were full with 2 people in each seat. We had assigned seats and sat next to the same person all week. At each stop, 100 people piled out of the busses to use the rest room.

With one exception the hotels were fine, we ate breakfast and a buffet dinner there. Lunches were not included. On one occasion, some of my tour-mates cleaned out the entire breakfast buffet and stuffed their purses full of muffins for lunch (no kidding).

The tour was basically a drive-by. We were told “Mount Hood is over that way. We don’t have time to stop but you can get a postcard at the gift shop.” I think we stopped at every gift shop between Seattle and San Francisco.

The travelers were 70+ years old, mostly women. Tips for the driver and guide were expected.

I would definitely use a tour company to see Egypt, but based on my experience, I can’t recommend Collette.

Collette also has a 'small group' division called Explorations. We wert to Italy with Explorations this Summer and there were only 9 of us on the tour - it was amazing and so easy to move from one place to the next. I now can't do a larger tour, as I think you lose the personalization. I think 19 is their max and I believe Rick Steves is 28 - much better than 40.

I have taken two Collette tours with my mother, who loves Collette. As others have said, it is a reputable company that has been in business forever. My thinking is that they are at their best with relatively inexperienced/insecure groups who live a long way from major airports. They work a lot with local organizations --- churches, chambers of commerce, banks, and such --- to arrange tours. A representative from Collette comes to the town several months before the tour and provides a seminar on what to expect, how to pack, and how to handle money --- basically, the same stuff that you would get from reading Rick Steve's travel tips. They provide transportation from your home town to the airport, which is a really big deal to my mother, who lives in a rural area. Basically, they take care of you from the time you leave home until you return from your trip.

I recall when I took my first trip with Collette, my mom and most of the tour group were flying out of one airport, and I was supposed to meet them in Atlanta. Well, their plane was delayed and they all missed the connection. I was the only person from the group on the flight to Rome. I was totally prepared to get public transportation from the airport to Termini and then walk to the hotel, but they took care of me and made sure that I got to the hotel. I didn't have to worry about a thing.

Also, because many of the tours are locally organized, you are often traveling with friends, which is another big deal for my widowed mom.

On the plus side:

Hotels are excellent and centrally located. The hotels were more or less on a par with the accommodations I have had on Smithsonian tours.

Food is excellent.

Tour guides are excellent.

They handle your luggage for you.

On the minus side:

There are a lot of add-on excursions and meals.

You need to budget for tips.

You will see the major sites, which is fine for a first time visitor, but you are not going to get an in depth cultural experience.

You will likely have more people than with a Rick Steves tour.

So, it all depends on what you want. For my mom, Collette is perfect. She doesn't have to worry about any logistics and can relax and enjoy the trip. For me, with easy access to a major airport and no problems navigating new places on my own, there's not as much of an advantage.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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Collette launches Collette Connection service for advisors

The new service will help advisors grow their business in a personalised way

March 28, 2024

Pawtucket, RI (March 28, 2024) – Collette announces the launch of its new “Collette Connection” service. With the print-on-demand service, travel advisors will be able to send their clients Collette’s Explorations brochure with a personalised letter attached.

All client information is completely confidential and the service is free of charge for advisors.

Collette’s Explorations brochure features 43 small-group tours designed by travellers for travellers. Exploration tours have become increasingly popular, offering travellers experiences that go beyond the guidebook and closer to the culture.

Advisors can find complete information about Collette Connection on Collette’s website .

“Collette is giving travel advisors an advantage with Collette Connection,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, chief executive officer at Collette. “The inclusion of a letter with a call to action to go along with our Explorations brochure is an opportunity for them to grow their business in a personalised way.”

About Collette:

As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is the company clients can trust. Leading with integrity, Collette’s comprehensive travel protection plan , flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships within the travel space set it apart. The happiness of its clients has been its roadmap since 1918 and today Collette offers over 170 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through its social responsibility platform.  For more information, visit www.gocollette.com or call 1(800) 340-5158 .

Media Contact:

Sam LaFrance, Collette Phone: 401.426.3710 [email protected]

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When is the next total solar eclipse in the US after 2024 and what is its path? What to know

The highly anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , giving millions of sky-gazers the chance to see a rare cosmic event that won't be viewable again for 20 years.

The eclipse's  path of totality  will travel over a portion of northern Mexico before entering the U.S. It then it will cross 13 states  from Texas to Maine, where the spectacle is expected to attract huge crowds.

If you aren't lucky enough to be in the path of totality this time around, you will have another chance - you'll just have to wait until the 2040s.

Here's what we know about the next total solar eclipse to cross over the U.S.

Eclipse playlist: Fans return to Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' ahead of total solar eclipse

When is the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S.?

It will be 20 years before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again.

According to NASA, after Monday's total solar  eclipse , the next one viewable from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

2044 total solar eclipse path of totality

Unfortunately, the 2044 total  solar eclipse  won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse.

The path of totality during the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach, and political space advocacy.

The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Pets and the eclipse: Will my pets be safe during the April 2024 solar eclipse? What experts say.

2045 solar eclipse

While the 2044 total eclipse will only touch three states, a 2045 eclipse will have a more robust path across the U.S.

Expected to occur on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, this solar eclipse will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

A partial solar eclipse will also be viewable in 35 other states, according to National Eclipse.com

What is a total solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

In the event of a solar eclipse, the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching a small part of our planet. Partial eclipses, when some part of the sun remains visible, are the most common, making total eclipses a rare sight to behold.

Total eclipses can lead to a period of darkness lasting for several minutes, during which time nocturnal animals stir while confused birds and insects may fall silent, NASA says.

When a solar eclipse reaches totality, people are able to see the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona, which is usually obscured by the sun's bright surface. This offers scientists an uncommon opportunity  to study the corona .

Totality also offers spectators a chance to gaze upon the spectacular sight with the naked eye, though  proper  safety  glasses  are still required for the rest of the time.

What states are on the 2024 eclipse path of totality?

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which is expected to occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow will northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The path will then cut diagonally across the country, traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The eclipse's path is expected to end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT before visiting the maritime provinces of Canada, according to estimates.

See  interactive maps of the 2024 path .

Contributing: Doyle Rice, Ramon Padilla & Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY

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International Traveler: Meats, Poultry, and Seafood

The United States restricts or prohibits the entry of many agricultural products, which can carry foreign pests and diseases that harm American agriculture and our environment. Help us keep American agriculture healthy by following the guidance on this page about products you may want to bring into the United States.

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products.

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. You must also tell them if you visited a farm or were in contact with animals before traveling to the United States.

U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases. U.S. inspectors have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can enter the country. We recommend that you keep receipts and original packaging of agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.

As long as you declare all of the agricultural products you are bringing with you, you will not face any penalties—even if an inspector determines that they cannot enter the country.

Meats, Poultry, and Seafood You CAN and CANNOT Bring Back to the United States

USDA does not allow travelers to bring back most cattle, swine, sheep or goat meat or meat products from countries affected with certain serious livestock diseases:

• Foot-and-mouth disease
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
• Swine vesicular disease
• Classical swine fever
• African swine fever

To find out a country’s status for these diseases, visit our animal disease status page.

Travelers may bring back fresh (chilled or frozen), cooked, cured or dried meat from countries without these diseases if they have official documentation to prove the product’s country of origin. The following items are considered official documentation: package label; written documentation; proof of travel (passport or travel itinerary); origin of flight; receipt of sale; CBP document (based on the officer’s interview of the traveler); a meat inspection certificate; or certificate of origin.

Travelers may bring back boneless meat in commercially packaged, labeled, and contained in unopened hermetically sealed containers or packages that are cooked by a commercial method after such packing to produce articles that are shelf-stable without refrigeration.

Travelers may not bring back more than 50 pounds of an item. Shipments larger than 50 pounds are considered commercial shipments and must meet additional requirements through USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Contact them at (202) 720-9904 or www.fsis.usda.gov .

Cured hams (prosciutto, Serrano ham, Iberian ham) and salami from areas within France, Germany, Italy and Spain may  not be brought into the United States by travelers. These items may only enter in commercial shipments because there are special restrictions that require additional certification and documentation.

USDA does not allow  travelers to bring back most poultry meat or poultry meat products from countries affected with certain serious poultry diseases:

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza
• Newcastle disease

To find out a country’s status for these diseases, visit our animal disease status  page.

Commercially-packaged and labelled, cooked, shelf-stable poultry items from affected countries that are in unopened packages are allowed.  However, travelers may not bring back more than 50 pounds of an item.  Shipments larger than 50 pounds are considered commercial shipments and must meet additional requirements through USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.  Contact them at (202) 720-9904 or www.fsis.usda.gov .

Cooked poultry meat or poultry meat products from affected countries will be inspected by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.  Items appearing to be “thoroughly cooked throughout” will be allowed entry.  Items that do not appear “thoroughly cooked throughout” will not be allowed without special certification and an import permit.

Travelers may bring back fresh (chilled or frozen), cooked, cured or dried poultry meat from countries without these diseases if they have official documentation to prove the product’s country of origin.  The following items are considered official documentation:  package label; written documentation; proof of travel (passport or travel itinerary); origin of flight; receipt of sale; CBP document (based on the officer’s interview of the traveler); a meat inspection certificate; or certificate of origin.

APHIS does not regulate the importation of most seafood items.  We only regulate breaded seafood products, and only if the breading contains animal-origin ingredients (milk, eggs).  Please contact us directly about breaded seafood items.

For all other seafood import questions, contact:

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  at 800-358-2104 or www.fws.gov
• The Food and Drug Administration at 301-796-0356 or www.fda.gov

Use the Veterinary Services (VS) Permitting Assistant to understand import requirements for animal products. This self-guided tool has the most updated and comprehensive information, based on the type of materials you want to bring in and the intended use. Please note that commodities intended for "personal use" mean those in passenger baggage or passenger vehicles. Commodities sent by mail are regulated as "commercial" use.

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Photos from the path of totality and elsewhere in the U.S.

Images show the Great American Eclipse, seen by tens of millions of people in parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada for the first time since 2017.

Millions gathered across North America on Monday to bask in the glory of the Great American Eclipse — the moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. 

The path of totality measures more than 100 miles wide and will first be visible on Mexico’s Pacific coast before moving northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and upward toward New York, New Hampshire and Maine, then on to Canada.

Total solar eclipse 2024 highlights: Live coverage, videos and more

During the cosmic spectacle, the moon’s movements will temporarily block the sun’s light, creating minutes of darkness, and will make the sun's outer atmosphere, or the corona, visible as a glowing halo.

Here are moments of the celestial activities across the country:

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